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THE SURFACE GeoTesting Express increases testing capacity

GeoTesting Express Increases Testing Capacity Announcements

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Upcoming Events

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Geocomp Welcomes the University of Illinois

3RD QUARTER / 2017

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GeoTesting Express (GTX) is excited to announce the addition of six new, state-of-the-art, fully automated test systems to our Massachusetts and Georgia laboratories. This equipment, manufactured by Geocomp’s Products division, was acquired to aid in meeting the increasing demand for fast, high-quality testing and includes four triaxial shear test systems for soil (two high-pressure, two standard), a standard direct shear frame for soil, and a large-scale high-pressure rock direct shear frame. We now have 14 shear frames used for performing direct shear, residual shear, direct simple shear, cyclic simple shear, large-scale direct shear of soil and aggregate or for performing interface and internal shear tests using geosynthetics. In the large-scale 300 mm x 300 mm (12 in x 12 in) shear frames, we can reach stresses of up to 1,725 kPa (250 psi). The addition of a large-scale rock shear device doubles our capacity to test both intact (direct shear) and fractured (sliding friction) rock specimens of up to 150 mm (6 in) diameter.

We are able to apply up to 68,250 kPa (9,900 psi) normal load on standard NX size, 54 mm (2.15 inch) rock core. Four triaxial shear test systems have been added in our Massachusetts lab, bringing the total to 21. Nancy Hubbard, GTX’s Project Manager, said “Of our 21 systems, five are high-pressure systems capable of applying confining stresses of up to 3,450 kPa (500 psi). These versatile systems are able to conduct any variation of the triaxial test, all in accordance with published ASTM or AASHTO test standards. Even cyclic triaxial testing is possible with some of these systems.” GTX can perform unconsolidated/ undrained, consolidated/undrained, or consolidated/drained with complete control over consolidation (anisotropic, isotropic, ko). “With these additional test stations, we can now perform up to seven three-point triaxial shear test series simultaneously,” said Joe Tomei, GTX’s Director of Testing Services. “Our weekly throughput for triaxial testing is amazing.”

TECHNOLOGIES TO MANAGE RISK FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

Geocomp welcomes University of Illinois students to LA office In coordination with LA METRO and the Crenhaw/LAX and Regional Connector Light-Rail Line Extension Project teams, Geocomp welcomed the Tunneling Class students of the University of Illinois (UOI) and Prof. Youssef Hashash in Los Angeles, CA back in late April. The students visited the tunnels being constructed for the Crenhaw/LAX and Regional Connector Light-Rail Line Extension Projects. They learned about the project design and construction challenges from LA METRO, the owners, designers, and contractors. Geocomp also presented details of the project instrumentation and monitoring and exhibited some of the tools and instrumentation being used. The student groups then were challenged to tackle a real-world tunnel design project, evaluating the design and construction risks associated with route alternatives.

Mazen Adib presenting to the Tunneling Class Students on the Instrumentation and Monitoring of the Regional and Crenshaw Projects.

UOI Tunnel Class Students inside the Tunnel Boring Machine, Angeli, at the Regional Connection Project.

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TECHNOLOGIES TO MANAGE RISK FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

ANNOUNCEMENTS Gary T. Torosian named Geocomp COO We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Gary Torosian to Chief Operating Officer. Gary has been with Geocomp for 25 years and, in his new position, will be responsible for improving the operational efficiency of the company and will work collaboratively with our CEO to execute Geocomp’s corporate strategy. Gary has been with Geocomp since 1992 when he joined as Laboratory Manager of our testing division, GTX. He was instrumental in establishing GTX as the go-to laboratory for fast and reliable geotechnical, rock, and geosynthetic testing. As GTX expanded to multiple locations with increased capabilities, Gary took on the leadership role of Director of Testing Services. In 2015, his strong and proven management and leadership skills were key factors in the decision to appoint him Chairman of Geocomp’s Executive Committee, which oversaw the operations of the firm. We congratulate Gary on his new position and look forward to his continued leadership as we enter the next phase of Geocomp’s growth.

Dr. W. Allen Marr speaks at the CSIC Distinguished Lecture Series The University of Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC), an Innovation and Knowledge Centre funded by EPSRC and Innovate UK, hosts the Distinguished Lecture series to help accelerate and enable knowledge transfer and exploitation of emerging technologies within the infrastructure and construction industry. Geocomp’s founder, Dr. W. Allen Marr, PE, NAE, D.GE, was their distinguished speaker on June 19, when he presented case study evidence to demonstrate the value of effective monitoring in reducing and managing risk. A link to the video of the lecture can be found at www.geocomp.com.

Ashley MacMillan awarded DFI grant The Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) Educational Trust and the DFI Women in Deep Foundations (WiDF) Committee awarded five grants of $1,750 each to women involved in design and/or construction of deep foundations to attend DFI’s 42nd Annual Conference in New Orleans, October 24-27. Ashley MacMillan was selected as one of the recipients. The grants will be presented during the Annual Conference at the WiDF Committee Reception.

TECHNOLOGIES TO MANAGE RISK FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

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125 NAGOG PARK ACTON, MA 01720 T (978) 635-0012 F (978) 635-0266

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UPCOMING EVENTS Look for Geocomp and GeoTesting Express at the following upcoming trade shows: • CSCE Fall Geotechnical Seminar (Exhibiting) October 6, 2017, Meriden, CT

• National Accelerated Bridge Construction Conference (Presenting) December 7-8, 2017, Miami, FL • TRB Annual Meeting (Exhibiting) January 7-11, 2018, Washington, DC

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TECHNOLOGIES TO MANAGE RISK FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

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• Risk Management in Underground Construction (Sponsoring) November 28-29, 2017, Washington, DC